NORTHAMPTON -- Hampshire Superior Court Judge Mary Lou Rup on Tuesday denied a motion to close one of the final pre-trial hearings before jury selection begins for the trial of Cara L. Rintala to members of public and the press.

Rintala, 45, is accused of killing her wife, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala, in their Granby home on March 29, 2010. Her trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.

Hoose, citing the hearing's proximity to the start of the trial, said discussing in open court whether certain pieces of evidence should be admitted at trial could cripple Rintala's right to an impartial jury. In a previous memorandum to the court, Hoose wrote that extensive media coverage of the case would jeopardize Rintala's right to a fair trial by bringing to light pieces of evidence that would not ultimately be presented to the jury.

Speaking in opposition to Hoose's motion, first assistant district attorney Steven E. Gagne described open court proceedings as a "cherished right" enjoyed by members of the public in general and, in this case, by members of Annamarie Rintala's family who were in the courtroom.

Rup, in announcing her decision, remarked that examples of media coverage Hoose submitted were factual and reported in a manner that was neither sensational nor inflammatory. The examples included reports by The Republican and MassLive.com, as well as the Boston Globe, WWLP, and Bay Windows.

Rup ruled that some pieces of evidence could still be sealed, including
one exhibit that contained highly detailed financial information.

Following Rup's ruling, the hearing proceeded with members of the media present.

Prosecutors argued that some details about incidents between the two women over a period of over two years, leading up to Annamarie Rintala's death in 2010, should be introduced as evidence at the trial. The incidents included what Hoose described as a "race to the police station" on Sept. 27, 2008 that resulted in Cara Rintala's arrest for assault and battery.

Prosecutors also sought to admit as evidence a recording of a hearing on May 26, 2009 held after the two women filed restraining orders against each other.

This is a developing story. The Republican and MassLive.com will post details about the remainder of the hearing this afternoon. Below, a copy of the motion filed by attorney Hoose seeking to close the hearing.